Newcastle midfielder Liam Smith happy with Blackpool loan

The 20-year-old revealed the benefits of his loan and how he believes he'll return to St James' Park next season a better player for the experience.

Smith told the Blackpool website: “The full loan spell has been a good experience because we've had such ups and downs since I've been here.

“You realise it's not all about pretty football when you leave. You've got to do the dirty stuff, tackling and clearing your lines, and seeing games out at times. At Newcastle we play it on the floor no matter what.

“Here this is people's livelihoods, it matters. Relegations and promotions mean a lot, whereas in the under-21s it's only really about performances, so I'm grateful for the experience I'm gaining."